French prosecutors have opened a serious investigation following disturbing allegations of abuse at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram school located in southwestern France. The investigation, which commenced on February 17, 2025, targets a former school employee accused of rape and sexual assault, with the Pau public prosecutor’s office bringing forward the charges. The scandal has emerged prominently against the backdrop of the scrutiny surrounding French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who, though not personally implicated, is facing allegations of having turned a blind eye to previous claims of abuse at the institution during the 1990s.
Bayrou, who himself attended the school and had prior posts as the country’s education minister, has vehemently denied these allegations. He voiced his concerns stating, “There is nothing more shameful than targeting someone's family to get to them politically.” His remarks came after intense political adversaries accused him of inadequately responding to warnings about systemic violence at the boarding institution where his own children studied.
Meanwhile, the French Assemblée Nationale was the stage for another significant political development when on February 20, 2025, representatives adopted a wealth tax proposal aimed at ultra-wealthy individuals, supported by members from the Green Party. The proposal garnered overwhelming approval with 116 votes supporting the measure yet is expected to face substantial opposition from the Sénat, where the right-wing majority is unlikely to resolve the bill favorably.
Eva Sas, who spearheaded the wealth tax proposal, celebrated the legislative victory, exclaiming, “The tax impunity of billionaires is over!” The tax aims to implement a minimum tax rate of 2% on net worth exceeding €100 million to tackle rising wealth inequality. Despite the excitement, experts and critics raised caution about the bill’s viability, citing potential constitutional challenges, as many question whether the tax would actually affect those it aims to regulate.
Adding to the complexity of France's political climate, another bill has emerged tackling the issue of immigration and marriage. Introduced to the Senate by Stéphane Demilly, the legislation seeks to prevent foreigners without proper residency from marrying in France. Demonstrative of rising pressure to restrict undocumented immigration, Demilly raised poignant queries during the session asking, “How is it possible to marry someone without legal residency?” He aims to fortify current laws to evade loopholes seemingly exploited for marriage as means to secure residency.
The bill gathered mixed feedback and was passed with 227 votes to 110. Nevertheless, opponents argue this legislation is contrary to constitutional rights established by the Council, emphasizing the right to marry regardless of immigration status. Corinne Narassiguin, opposed to the bill, claimed, “This draft law is contrary to the constitution,” highlighting the dangers of conflation between fraudulent marriages and genuine personal relationships.
The Council of State also made headlines recently by denying appeals from C8 and NRJ12 television stations, set to cease broadcasting due to regulatory issues. The regulator cited the channels’ negligence concerning programming standards, leading to substantial fines and eventually withdrew their broadcasting rights. Proponents of these channels, including presenter Cyril Hanouna of C8, lamented the decision, calling it unfair and politically motivated. The channel's disappearance reshapes the media environment, as alternative platforms are set to emerge, allowing new applicants to fill the void.
These events reflect a significant and turbulent chapter within France's political narrative as the nation grapples with complex issues ranging from systemic child abuse to wealth inequality, immigration challenges, and media regulatory frameworks. The mounting pressure on Prime Minister Bayrou amid allegations and legislative changes may set the tone for upcoming political battles as various factions within the government react to heightened scrutiny and public demand for accountability.